Bye Bye GLOSSOPHOBIA

 

We all had to perform in front of an audience for one reason or another; to take a seminar, give a speech, or present a project. Have you ever wholly gone blank out whenever you stepped up to the podium for public speaking? A pounding heart rate, sweaty palms, upset stomach, dry-as-paper mouth etc., are some of the symptoms of fear of public speaking or Glossophobia. These symptoms are common for all at the initial stages of any successful speaker. But later on, with practice, they overcome these symptoms. 

Are you ready to take a deep breath and start your journey to the spotlight? Some used to say that they have a fear of facing the audience. It may be because of any bad experience from the past, maybe in a classroom, a school play that may be underlying in mind. We may keep the fears at bay for some time because once you overcome fear, there lies success. To overcome your fear, the first and foremost thing you have to do is prepare thoroughly for the same. You may carry a small chit or even a presentation (slides must be less in number) to keep with you if required.

Another integral part of public speaking is maintaining eye contact. The eyes tell more than the words could ever say.

Next is to know the audience, situations, and delegates for the program. It is essential to know the audience as the audience’s attention is everything to the speaker, like a customer to a business. An audience-appropriate subject or even humour is necessary. If you can hold the audience’s attention with humour, stories, or with voice modulations, then the session will turn out perfectly. Forging an emotional relationship with the audience is an integral part of public speaking. We listen to those whom we trust, and we trust those who have a relationship with us.

The presence of mind is a must for a public speaker; then, only you will create magic in your speech. To obtain the presence of mind, we should keep our mind at peace, free from mental distractions, have good sleep, and have a proper diet.

Repeated practice of the session will boost your confidence. If we have practiced the subject very well, then we may not get distracted by the audience. Mannerism is another vital thing to keep in mind. Public speaking mannerisms are habitual gestures or a particular way of speaking. Some may put their hands in their pockets or nods their head excessively, which should be avoided.

The energy level should be well-maintained throughout the session. If you may feel a bit low, then you may give some warm-up exercises to the audience.

The session won’t finish in an exemplary manner if there is no doubt clearing session. Naturally, there can be doubts in the minds of the audience; let them put it forward. As a speaker, do not get anxious about the question-answer sessions. Be cool, and answer the questions you know with clarity. By the way, you don’t need to know the answers to all the questions.

If you can speak, you can influence; if you can influence, you can change many lives.

Practice and practice is the sine qua non for becoming a good speaker.